All posts tagged Podcast

The Twilight Zone Podcast

The original review appeared on iTunes 25 Feb 2017

I grew up as a Twilight Zone viewer in the 1960s. Born in 1960, this and other shows, like Star Trek, hold a special place in my heart. They surely influenced me and contributed, partially and ultimately, to the person I am today. Therefore, anyone attempting to do a show-by-show analysis runs a huge risk of alienating a significant portion of their target audience if the effort is done poorly and for the wrong reason.

Mr. Tom Elliot (Tom) is the force behind this podcast. From the first, ostensibly experimental, exposure to his podcast I was convinced that this person was not only knowledgeable and reverential, but is squarely pursuing this effort for the RIGHT reason: love for the stories, admiration for the genius of Rod Serling, and a desire to introduce others to the series.

I discovered the podcast in January of 2017 and have been bingeing and tweeting the episodes as I methodically go through them, starting with episode #1. Additionally, the fascinating commentary offered by Tom convinced me to revisit the series. I now watch an episode on Netflix then listen to the podcast. I also convinced my 17 year old daughter to watch the episodes with me. After the episode, we discuss the plot, twist, and meaning as we understood it. Then I anxiously await Tom’s commentary in his corresponding podcast.

I’m 56 years old and the memories of the series has been flooding back. No longer do I have to wait for the New Years Eve marathons to satisfy my addiction. Tom’s podcast has convinced me to analyze on a level that I previously never considered. But, he’s also opened a way to share my childhood with my teenage daughter- which is the greatest gift.

The only caution that “I submit for your approval” is this; if you enter the Twilight Zone and allow yourself to be guided by Tom, you will not want to come back.

Yesterday, I was speaking with the students of my US History class about early to mid-19th Century economic and territorial expansion in the US. Energizing, as well as resulting from, this expansion were inventions and innovations that aimed to change they way things use to be done. Among the changes discussed were the railroads and the standardization of time across the continent.

I think this episode, from one of my favorite podcasts, can add context and depth in a way that I could never do in the 35 instructional minutes I have.

In 1883, a coalition of railroad officials carved the continental U.S. into five time zones, introducing Americans to the idea of “standard time.” Twenty five years later, the revolutionary idea was codified into law, with the 1918 Standard Time Act.

In this episode, we’ll look at the changing ways Americans have experienced the 24-hour day — from pre-industrial times right on up through today’s era of time-shifted media. We’ll explore the impact of those powerful Gilded Age railroads, and look the role of economic forces in shaping America’s relationship with the clock. We’ll also explore how people have experienced the rhythm of night and day — and why the advent of electric lighting changed that rhythm forever. Finally, is unlimited time always a good thing? We take a loving look at basketball’s shot clock.